Changes to NASCAR Chase Format Announced

Jason Barlow - January 30th, 2014

NASCAR Chairman Brian France addressed the media today concerning speculation for changes to the Chase to the Sprint Cup. The following ideas were taken into consideration before changes were made based on fan feedback:

1 - More emphasis on winning2 - More competition by increasing the number of drivers in the Chase3 - More on track action

The following format will be introduced this season in the Chase to the Sprint Cup:

The playoff bracket will expand to 16 drivers that will be set following Richmond. Wins will be the deciding factor. If less than 16 drivers have a win, the next deciding factor will be points order. The first bracket will be known at the Challenger Bracket and consist of 3 races. Following those races, the top 12 in points, or those with wins will be moved into the next bracket, known as the Contender Bracket and will consist of 3 races as well. The next 3 races will be known as the Eliminator Bracket where 8 drivers will compete. The top 4 of that bracket in both wins and points will move on into the final Race, where the winner of the season will be whomever crosses the line ahead of the other 3 drivers.

If a driver wins in any bracket, they will automatically advance to the next round, regardless of position in points and results in the other races of that bracket. If no driver wins that is eligible for a bracket or less than 3 different drivers win, then the deciding factor will be points order on whom will advance into the next bracket.

The brackets will take place at the following tracks with the number of drivers as follows:

During a Q&A that followed the announcement, President Mike Helton specified that in order to be eligible for the Chase Brackets, the driver must run all 36 races in the Sprint Cup season. There may be an exception that can be made for medical reasons, but that will be discussed later if it comes up. This essentially means that part-time drivers will not be eligible to race for a Championship. This also means that drivers that are running for points in other other Series' will still remain ineligible for the Sprint Cup Championship.

If a driver falls out of the bracket prior to the completion of the first 9 races, they will remain in contention for 5th-16th place in the final standings. This means if a driver fails to advance from the first bracket and is in 13th place, they can advance up to 5th place on the season in points.